Gram Positive Bacilli Flashcards
Characterize (4): Bacillus spp.
- Gram (-) rods in chains
- Protein capsule
- Obligate aerobe
- Spores
Name 2 different presentation of B. Anthracis infection
- Back Eschar
2. Pulmonary anthrax
Describe the composition of B. Anthracis’ capsule
Poly D-glutamate
Name 2 toxins secreted by B. Anthracis
- Edema toxin
- Lethal toxin
(PA + EF = Edema toxin) (PA + LF = Lethal toxin)
MOA: Edema Factor
Increases cAMP
MOA: Lethal factor
Cleaves MAP kinase
Which of B. Anthracis’ toxin is responsible for the black eschar
Lethal factor
What animal is associated with pulmonary anthrax?
Sheep
Inhalation of spores found on wool
Describe the symptoms of pulmonary anthrax
- Pulmonary hemorrhage
2. Widened mediastinum
Treatment (2): anthrax
- Flouroquinolones
2. Doxycycline
What is the biggest association with bacillus cereus?
Food poisoning from reheated fried rice
Characterize (3): Clostridium tetani
- Gram (+) rods
- Obligate anaerobe
- Spores
Name 2 locations C. Tetani is found:
- Soil
2. Rusted metals
Name 2 classic symptoms of tetanus:
- Risus sardonicus
2. Opisthotonus (exaggerated arching of back)
MOA: tetanus toxin
Retrograde transport of toxin —> cleaves SNARE proteins —> inhibits exocytosis of GABA/Glycine —> GABA and Glycine release from Renshaw cells is inhibited
What specific type of neuron does tetanus toxin affect?
Renshaw neuron
What type of vaccine is the tetanus vaccine?
Toxoid vaccine (antibodies form to the toxin not the bacteria)
Characterize (3): Clostridium botulinum
- Gram (+) rod
- Spores
- Obligate anaerobe
How is botulism most commonly transmitted?
Improper canning of food
Ingestion of preformed toxin
What type of nerves does the botulism toxin target ?
Cholinergic
Only affects PNS because it cannot cross the BBB
Describe the paralysis of botulism poisoning
DESCENDING paralysis
What is a common presenting symptom of botulism poisoning?
Ptosis/Diplopia
Name 2 toxins which cleave SNARE proteins:
- Tetanus
2. Botulism
What is the etiology of “floppy baby Syndrome”?
Botulism toxin